Gold refining can take on several forms, all depending on the form and content of the gold that needs to be refined. To produce a gold bar form for shipment, the refining process can be as simple as a melt, sample and assay procedure. Other forms of gold can require a more complex process that can include burning, drying, grinding, screening, blending and sampling the metal.

Before a process can be chosen, the gold meant for refinement has to be evaluated for gold content. Once the amount of gold contained has been established, refining can begin.

The Wohlwill and Miller processes are the two main methods used to refine gold today. The Wohlwill process creates gold to a high level of purity (99.999 percent). It is an electrochemical process that was invented by Emil Wohlwill in 1875. A faster and easier process, the Miller process creates gold that is slightly less pure, about 99.95 percent pure. When purity standards are lower, the Miller process is generally chosen.

Other processes are available, such as parting and inquartation, cuppelation, or the dissolution of gold in aegis regia. These processes are better when smaller amounts of gold need to be refined.

Learn More: Gold Mining

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